Indiana Vital Records

History of Vital Records in Indiana

Indiana, “the Hoosier State,” has a population of 6.8 million. The State Board of Health was established in March 1881, and 1991 marks the beginning of the modern Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). The Division of Vital Records (VR) is responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of vital records for events that occurred in Indiana, including birth, death, and fetal death certificates. The office of Vital Records officially began recording births in 1907, and death recordings began in 1900.

Indiana birth records earlier than 75 years are not accessible to the public. Parents listed on the birth certificate, grandparents, siblings 18 years or older, adult child, current spouse, aunt or uncle, stepparent, legal guardian, or someone showing cause may order the vital record. Death and marriage records in Indiana are considered public records and can be viewed and accessed by the public.

If you’re doing an ancestry search, the Division of Vital Records may be able to help or try the many available public archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and how they are used.

Where to Get Indiana Vital Records

Ordering Indiana Vital Records Online

Ordering Indiana Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:

1. Complete the online application, upload your documents, and
2. process your order.

(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)

Eligible and authorized individuals can apply for Indiana birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Ensure you possess all required documents beforehand to easily upload copies during the secure online application process.

Vital Records Online streamlines the process of gathering and generating essential documents, offering the most efficient method to request your vital records. It also guides you on how and where to submit the documents. Accessible from any internet-enabled device, the application can be completed in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online also helps ensure your application avoids common mistakes or missing documents that can cause your application to be denied.

✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is included with every online application.

✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.

✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.

Ordering Indiana Vital Records In Person or By Mail

Applying in person is a practical option for those who live near the health department that issues certified copies of the original certificate. However, the State Department of Health may not offer in-person appointments on the desired date, so confirm with your local county offices to see if walk-in appointments are available. Be aware of possible long wait times that can cause delays or failed attempts to submit your application and documents. Applying by mail or online can be a more convenient option to avoid these issues.

Apart from a few additional manual steps needed when applying by mail, the requirements and procedures are generally the same whether applying online or by mail:

• gathering your documents,
• getting photocopies of your documents,
• obtaining a public notary (if required by your county clerk’s office),
• completing the correct form, and
• finally, presenting everything to the health department during regular business hours.

Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:

• purchasing an envelope,
• including a physical check or a money order, and
• issuing it to the IDOH – Division of Vital Records

Be sure to review the criteria for each required document before mailing your application to prevent errors or omissions that could lead to rejection.

❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.

❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.

❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.

❗️ If you prefer mailing your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm the package arrives at the correct office.

Requirements

Before gathering documents for your vital records application, you should familiarize yourself with the conditions and requirements.

Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization

The table below shows the documents and information required to obtain new vital records in Indiana. A secondary form of identification may be accepted if you do not possess a valid ID.

The Indiana Department of Health requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity. For most types of vital records, a driver’s license or a state photo ID is accepted (check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed).

What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Indiana?

The IDOH: Division of Vital Records defines unique criteria for each type of certificate and individual scenario: Review Indiana’s eligibility conditions and requirements for requesting replacement birth, death, and marriage certificates.

State ID Requirements

What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Indiana?

When applying for a vital record in Indiana, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.

Who is Authorized to Order

Who can request vital records in Indiana?

A vital record copy can be requested by the individual on record. The record holder must provide proof of identity with the application or when obtaining a notarized sworn statement for their application.

To request a vital record for someone else, you must first review the eligibility conditions for each birth, death, or marriage certificate to confirm that you are authorized to apply on their behalf. A third party, such as a relative or legal representative of the individual on record, is legally permitted to order a certified copy of a vital record on their behalf.

✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.

Notarized Statement

Do I need a notary with my application?

Applicants in Indiana may be required to verify their identity by acquiring a notarized sworn statement for their application. Whether or not this notary is needed will depend on the ordering method. A notarized statement is not required if you order a birth or death certificate in person at the state health department. If ordering through your local county clerk’s office, you must check their specific guidelines, as some counties may require notarized statements. Please note that the state health department generally does not offer in-person applications or issue marriage certificates, so all marriage certificate requests and in-person requests must be made at a county clerk’s office, via mail, or through Vital Records Online.

❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required when ordering a depending on the county that issued the original certificate.

✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet.

Costs and Fees

The cost of vital record replacements in Indiana varies based on the fees set by the Indiana Department of Health – Division of Vital Records (IDOH – DVR) for each type of certificate. The total cost can be influenced by factors such as the method of application submission and whether a notary is required to verify identity.

When using Vital Records Online to order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. For a certified copy of a birth record, the IDOH-DVR charges a fee of $10.00, with an additional $4.00 for extra copies. A certified copy of a death certificate costs $8.00, with an additional $4.00 for extra copies. A certified copy of a marriage certificate is priced at $8.00 per copy.

✔︎ Additional copies can be requested in the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.

VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.

Processing and Delivery Times

How long will it take to receive my vital records from Indiana?

Processing times for birth, death, or marriage certificate orders can vary. With Vital Records Online, you can obtain an online notarization (if required) as an additional step during checkout—otherwise, factor in extra time to obtain the notary locally.

❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days to obtain a notary (if necessary) in your application process.

❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Apostille

An apostille is required when submitting vital records to a foreign government. Apostilles can be requested for birth, death, and marriage certificates initially filed with the IDOH – Division of Vital Records Secretary of State.

How can I get an apostille for a vital record?

An apostille for a vital record issued by the IDOH – Division of Vital Records can only be acquired through the Secretary of State. You will need to submit the following documents:

• Document needing the authentication/apostille (for vital records, it must be a certified copy)
• Completed Authentication Request Form
• Check or money order of $2.00 per document, if applicable (Indiana birth and death certificates are exempt from this fee. For a complete list of records exempt from the fee, refer to the request form.)
• Prepaid, self-addressed envelope for the return of the document, or if using FedEx or UPS, a prepaid air bill

All requests for vital record apostilles must be submitted to the IDOH – Division of Vital Records at the following address:

Secretary of State,
Business Services Division,
302 West Washington Street, Room E018,
Indianapolis, IN 46204

You can reach the office at (317) 234-9768 or online at https://www.in.gov/sos/business/apostilleauthentication/.

Corrections and Amendments

The IDOH: Division of Vital Records offers a list of common scenarios requiring an amendment to an individual’s birth and marriage certificate.

The Indiana Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records provides a detailed procedure for legally correcting or amending birth, marriage, or death certificates. Different forms are used depending on the information that needs to be amended. When a vital record needs to be changed, an amendment is required. The changes are made as addendums because the original document cannot be altered.

The requirements for changing or amending a vital record can differ depending on which type of certificate needs to be changed:

Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:

1. A completed amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);
4. A notarized sworn statement completed by an authorized person (if required)

Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.

Searching Public Records

Where can I search for free public records?

Indiana Vital Records are publicly accessible after 75 years. Although finding free public records can be time-consuming, Indiana has many vital records that are freely and readily available to the public. You can browse Indiana’s vital record archives to find the information you want, but be prepared to spend considerable time reviewing records.

Are Indiana Vital Records Open to the Public?

In Indiana, the majority of state records are publicly available. However, access depends on the record type and year of the birth, death, or marriage.

Various third-party websites can facilitate your research of specific types of vital records. These platforms typically do not have geographic constraints and can serve as excellent reference points for record research. However, the data on these sites may not always match official government records. To locate a record on a third-party website, the requester must provide:

• The location of the record you’re looking for, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.
• The name of the person on record, if it is not a minor.

Indiana residents have the right under the Access to Public Records Act (APRA) to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.

How Can I Verify That My IN Vital Records Are Official?

Each state, county, and municipality creates unique vital records. It is essential to check the appearance of your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate to ensure you have the official certified copy. A stamp or large print can identify informational copies of vital records on the document stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. To verify if your certificate is a certified copy, refer to the official certified documents issued in the county where yours was obtained.

What Are the Differences Between Authorized Copies of Indiana Vital Records Versus Informational Copies?

Authorized Copies: 

Certified copies of vital records serve as legal documents and can be used for official identification purposes. On the other hand, informational copies are not sufficient to verify legal identity. It is important to note that certified copies are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. In Indiana, both standard and long-form birth certificates are available, and both types require state-issued identification to obtain them.

Informational Copies: 

Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, also known as “short-form,” “unofficial” (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates,” are not official legal documents. They are intended for display or personal reference purposes only and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. These copies are typically used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research. A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting an informational copy. Indiana Department of Health does not require documentation for obtaining informational copies of public vital records. Citizens have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records in compliance with the Access to Public Records Act (APRA). “Non-certified” copies are only available for death certificates when ordering from the state health department, although some counties may offer non-certified copies for birth and marriage certificates.

Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.